Memorial Mustangs

Dear Memorial Families and Caregivers:

As we begin our stride into the month of April, please keep in mind some important dates and deadlines listed below in the "Things To Know". April is sure to be a jam packed month of events. Our scholars are beginning their state testing and parent/teacher conferences are right around the corner. We remain focused on all that we need to accomplish before we head out for Spring Break.

This past week, I had the pleasure of reading to Ms. Rosenfield's 3rd grade class. Because we acknowledge March as Disability Awareness Month, the story that I chose to read was called, "Andy and His Yellow Frisbee" written by Mary Thompson. This is a heartwarming illustrated children’s book about Andy, a boy with autism. It's a wonderful story, viewing autism through the eyes of children, and paralleling the behaviors and feelings of children with autism with their classmates and siblings. This was a great opportunity to engage in some real-world dialogue with our young scholars and be able to talk about compassion and empathy towards others.

Have a great weekend!

Troy

Our 4th graders in 4W took some time to reflect as they continue to prepare for their transition to middle school. They focused on positive energy and growth mindset. A growth mindset is a mindset that allows information to flow through. People who have a growth mindset tend to be more positive. They understand that intelligence can be developed and added to if needed. They embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth.

1. FOURTH GRADE FAMILIES (Important Info): Please see the information that is included regarding timelines and course selections for the upcoming school year at Kennedy Middle School:

• course selection letter
• 4th to 5th grade transition timeline

2. 4th Grade Physicals: If you are a 4th grade family and have not submitted an updated health form dated after September 1, 2021, please do so as soon as possible. This is required by the state of Massachusetts. Please submit it to our school nurse, Michelle LeBlanc.

3. Scholastic Book Fair is happening. Please see the following link from our PTO with all things book fair: SCHOLASTIC BOOKFAIR INFORMATION

3. MCAS is approaching for our students in grades 3 and 4.

• Grade 4 ELA is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, April 3rd and 4th
• 3rd ELA is Tuesday and Thursday, April 11th and 13th

Math is coming up in May and we will announce those dates as we approach. Please contact your teachers if you need more information.

4. The following link is a reposting of information regarding registration for ASAP and Early Riser for our new families only: NEW FAMILY ASAP/EARLY RISER Registration Information

5. Parent/Teacher conference are approaching. They are scheduled for Wednesday, April 5th and Wednesday, April 12th. Your teachers will contacting you for scheduling purposes

6. All Aboard! Public input requested for accessible cycling.

The Town of Natick is launching a trial program for accessible/adaptive cycling on the Cochituate Rail Trail, and we need your input. Thanks to grant funding from the MetroWest Health Foundation and the MathWorks Community Grant Program, Natick will be acquiring an accessible bicycle and a storage unit, and setting up a program in 2023 to offer rides to people with disabilities. To help us get started, we have launched a survey to ask…

• What style of bicycle would work for you or a family member/friend?
• Are you interested in being a volunteer?
• Do you have any questions or advice?

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey by Friday, April 14. If you are not able to complete the survey, you can contact Melissa Carter, Coordinator of Adaptive Programs for Recreation and Parks at mcarter@natickma.org. All Aboard is being launched in partnership with the Friends of Natick Trails and the Natick Public Schools.

All Aboard Accessible Cycling Community Input

The Memorial PTO is a parent and teacher run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing and enriching the education of our students and fostering a sense of community within our school. The PTO provides assistance to teachers within the classroom settings, raises funds for educational materials and experiences, advocates school and family social interaction, and provides an unbiased forum for sharing information on issues that impact our students. We believe in cultivating a positive learning environment to allow for students to achieve their highest potential. Please become an active participant in the PTO. Below is the link to their website:

https://www.memorialnatickpto.org/

or email them at:

pto@memorialnatickpto.org

Natick Public Schools does not discriminate in employment nor its educational programs, services, and activities based on race, creed, color, age, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Please be aware all electronic communication to and from Natick Public Schools is public record and subject to public disclosure per Massachusetts General Law Chapter 66, Section 10.

• Title I: Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title II
• Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990Title VI
• Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964Title IX
• Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
• MGL, Ch.76, Section 5: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 76, Section 5